Prejudice and stereotyping

What is prejudice?

The pre-judgement or initial judgement we form about someone before getting to know them

What is prejudice in social psychology?

Unfavourable attitudes people have toward a social group and its members - on the basis of something other than quality of character

What are the 3 components of prejudice?

• Cognitive (beliefs/stereotypes)

• Affective (how they feel about them)

• Behavioural (intention to behave negatively toward them)

What is the cognitive component of prejudice?

• Our beliefs about a group

• Stereotype- a simplified idea of what a group of people are like

• Rule of thumb,assumptions, generalisations, schemas

When does stereotyping become dysfunctional?

1. When our initial judgement about a group is negative

2. Judgement not based in reality

3. Unwilling to modify in light of disconfirming evidence

What is the affective component of prejudice?

• Refers to the usually negative feelings about another group

What is the behavioural component of prejudice?

• Intention to behave negatively toward a group of people

• Discrimination

What is the kernel of truth argument?

• Stereotypes about men and women exist because they are true

• There is a seed of truth, and stereotype is a great exaggeration of this

• Evidence of stereotypes cannot be found, and actual differences not included

What is sub-typing?

• When people dramatically violate the stereotype

• Instead of changing belief, instead create a new sub-type within the category

What is legitimising the status quo?

• People believe something because it is convenient

• Motivated to believe innaccurate things to rationalise status quo

• Don't like to believe we've benefitted from privilege

How does the media subtly influence stereotypes?

Face-ism: the way men and women are portrayed in photos

What is hostile sexism?

Belief that women are inferior to men

What is benevolent sexism?

Positive connotations - belief that women need protection from men - saying something positive but bigger implication negative

How does sexism affect men and women?

Hostile sexism- men who endorse it are less satisfied in relationships and are generally unhappy

Benevolent sexism- impacts women's self confidence and has long lasting effect

Aversive racism

• People find racial prejudice aversive

• May subconsciously harbour negative feelings toward minority groups

How does being a victim of prejudice effect wellbeing?

Physical - greater likelihood of heart conditions, diabetes, substance abuse

Mental - more likely to have depression and anxiety

What is stereotype threat?

• People at risk of conforming to stereotypes

• They want to disprove it - pressure and anxiety develops

What is self-fulfilling prophecies?

• Our expectations of a person changes how we interact with them

• Changes their behaviour in line with our expectations